How Lionel Messi’s chance to emulate the great Diego Maradona came and went

How far was Lionel Messi from following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona?
Some may say a foot given that shot that flashed across Germany’s goal but
the truth is it felt more like a mile.

As the World Cup final headed into extra time, and Messi’s presence diminished
to the point of invisibility, the idea that we would hail him for leading
Argentina to glory, like El Diego in 1986, had faded like the maestro
himself.

Messi finished the tournament so shattered that he was barely able to walk,
never mind summon the energy to dance through Germany’s defence.